Attach 1 - Statement of Objectives.pdf

FA9451-18-S-0003 Call 0003 Attachment 1

LASER VULNERABILITY RESEARCH – TEST (LVR-T)

STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES (SOO)

FA9451-18-S-0003 CALL 0003

10 January 2020

1.0 PURPOSE

The Air Force Research Laboratory, Directed Energy Directorate, Laser Effects, Modeling & Simulation Branch (AFRL/RDLE) conducts research related to the effects of high energy laser against systems of interest to the Air Force to understand, quantify, predict and assess the lethality and vulnerability resulting from the resulting laser/material interactions. To accomplish this, AFRL/RDLE seeks to apply and enhance experimental and predictive capabilities to address existing and emerging laser systems and target materials. The objective of this Call is to develop both test and analysis activities to quantify the effects of high power continuous-wave lasers (up to megawatt class) interacting with individual materials, multi-material subsystems, and/or fully functional targets as well as possible comparisons to high energy pulsed lasers.

2.0 BACKGROUND

The Laser Vulnerability Research (LVR) Program, a research program within AFRL/RDLE, contributes to the Air Force goal of developing an effective and optimized end-to-end laser weapon system by researching the corresponding vulnerability of threat targets of interest.

Weapon lethality has a direct link to target vulnerability, which is enhanced by dedicated experimental activities. The LVR Program has developed state-of-the-art predictive and experimental processes over decades of research. However, the increase in threat systems from foreign adversaries requires AFRL/RDLE to evaluate new materials, components, systems, including system response after engagement and damage, to determine the effectiveness of laser weapon systems as a viable solution to denied airspace.

The vulnerability analyses of these new targets requires evaluation of more complex aim points including; internal aim-points, optical systems, and as well as impacts from these engagements on the overall system level performance of the system in the expected aerodynamic environments. These new requirements necessitate novel test methodologies for testing in representative target environments as well as innovative system response monitoring and recording approaches. State-of-the-art approaches are necessary to advance the current state of laser interaction testing under these conditions. The determination of laser effectiveness against a broader class of materials and subsequent target vulnerability requires further understanding of the physical phenomena responsible for the observed and underlying laser material interactions, ranging from coupon to system level including components and subsystems. In addition, the determination of critical laser parameters required to achieve the desired effect.

3.0 SCOPE

The scope of this Call includes:

Test Planning o Background research o Test plan development o Test article acquisition o Surrogate test article fabrication or procurement o Test set-up and execution o Data reduction and analysis including uncertainty determination for all measured parameters o Documentation of both testing and analysis of the results from test activities utilizing the current Government report format

Execution of research and possible development of novel laboratory and diagnostic capabilities to maintain AFRL/RDLE’s state-of-the art test and experiment facilities

Maintenance of all laboratory test equipment to ensure calibration, functionality and recommend and provide preventative maintenance when needed

Interfacing with the high fidelity modeling and simulation (M&S) teams and vulnerability assessment teams to identify specific tests and experiments to support the enhancement of assessment and M&S activities

4.0 TECHNICAL OBJECTIVES AND GOALS

The technical objectives of this Call fall under Technical Area #1 (Laser Interaction Testing) of the “Pulsed And Continuous wave Innovation For Integration and Effects Research (PACIFIER)” Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), FA9451-18-S-0003. Offerors shall address how they propose to accomplish all of the technical objectives described in Sections

4.1 – 4.2 below:

4.1 Target Vulnerability Test and Experimentation: (CDRLs A004, A006, A008, A009, A010)

Conduct both analytical and experimental activities on systems of interest as identified by

LVR-T Program Manager (PM).

Follow AFRL/RDLE Concept of Operations (CONOPS) and associated data collection and reporting standards in setting up test series, submitting requests for testing, conducting test and plan working group meetings.

Support/host test readiness reviews, test data hot washes and final test results reviews.

The results of these activities shall be documented in a detailed report and/or provided in a briefing presentation as required by the LVR-T Program Manager.

4.1.1 Test Recommendation

While working with the LVR-T PM:

Identify potential test efforts to support the enhancement of current assessments or model development activities.

Deliver recommendations via briefing to the LVR-T PM to define specific test activities.

This briefing should include:

o Rationale for the effort including details on:

• How the effort supports either the vulnerability assessment or high fidelity M&S efforts.

• What will be achieved by the proposed effort.

• Estimated funding required for the effort.

o Address areas of risk and provide mitigation schemes to reduce or eliminate the risk identified.

o Provide novel techniques or diagnostics that might be considered to support current test activities and enhance AFRL/RDLE’s overall experimental capabilities.

4.1.2 Pre-Experimental Analyses

Review unclassified and classified literature related to the test recommendations approved by the LVR-T PM. Documents on components, subsystems or systems should also be reviewed, which may include design drawings with materials and dimensions, technical orders, circuit diagrams, operations manuals, and exploitation reports of foreign systems.

Propose representative operational conditions for testing, determine relevant experiment parameters, develop methods to baseline the normal target operating characteristics, and design experiment techniques that support the test recommendation outlined in Section 4.1.1.

Collect briefings and reports from the literature reviews and provide a recommendation for test conditions that includes analysis on possible relevant experiment parameters utilizing AFRL/RDLE laser sources.

All utilized documentation will be submitted to the LVR-T PM for review as required.

4.1.3 Material Characterization Testing

Develop methodologies and conduct tests to obtain properties measurements related to materials of interest. Tests include, but are not limited to, material microstructural, composition and identification analysis, temperature and heating rate-dependent thermo-physical properties such as specific heat, thermal conductivity, density, thermal expansion, elastic modulus, and modulus of rupture, and temperature-dependent optical properties including absorptivity, transmission, reflectance, and if required, bi-direction reflectance distribution functions.

Deliver a material-properties measurement plan outlining rationale for a particular test of measurements and how it may be used in pre- or post-test analysis, selection of test equipment, etc. as required by LVR-T PM.

Deliver test reports for all activities under this section once specific efforts are approved by the LVR-T PM. The report should include uncertainty analysis as well as possible limitations in the data set.

4.1.4 Experimental Planning

Plan experiment projects based on the AFRL/RDLE CONOPS and other required documentation (safety plans, data collection and reporting standards).

Perform a literature review to identify data gaps that the proposed activity will fill. The data gap rationale should include an evaluation of previous test activities both internal and external to AFRL/RDLE, applicable experiment techniques, required material properties collected from previous measurements, and tie back to the gap within the assessment or the high end modeling teams’ ongoing efforts.

Coordinate a series of test planning working group (TPWG) meetings to develop a detailed test plan. Document the information from each TPWG meeting using the AFRL/RDLE provided TPWG meeting minute’s template.

Develop a detailed test plan in accordance with CDRL A002. The test plan should (at a minimum) meet the test plan objectives provided by LVR-T PM.

4.1.5 Experimental Execution

Execute approved test plans developed in accordance with the AFRL/RDLE CONOPS and the requirements stated in AFRLI 61-103 and RDOI 61-103. Experiment execution tasks will include the following experiment site requirements:

Beam train requirements Instrumentation requirements Data acquisition rates Beam and target diagnostics and calibration requirements Schedule of test execution Test article mounting, transportation, storage and disposition

Describe the test activities’ benefits, technical risks, data processing methods and detailed information related to the data package that will be delivered at the end of the test effort. Upon

LVR-T PM approval, execute the test plan, including the design, development, and documentation of test fixtures, special diagnostics, and environment simulators.

4.1.6 Post-Experimental Data Reduction

Perform post-experiment data reduction and analyses to compare with pre-experiment predictions, accounting for actual versus planned test parameters. Identify discrepancies along with their potential sources. In addition, provide a measurement of the uncertainty related to all critical measurements taken within the test activity. A briefing shall be conducted to present the results.

The briefing should (at a minimum) contain:

Final test matrix including on target conditions (spot size, irradiance, dwell time, observed target response) Data collected for all tests Areas of concern or issues and resulting resolutions during the test activity Post-test data results including associated uncertainty and sources of uncertainty Comparison to pretest analysis/predictions Recommendations for follow on efforts or excursions Test related issues, short term solutions and possible long term recommendations to eliminate issues from future test activities

4.1.7 Post-Experimental Failure Analysis

Evaluate experiment data to determine the observed test article damage and the causes for failure.

Use the results of the analysis to determine if additional measurements or analyses are required if the cause of failure is not conclusive.

Compare test results with pre-experiment analysis, test results and post-test data review and provide a rationale for any deviation.

Brief the results of the post-experiment failure analysis.

4.1.8 Special Diagnostics (CDRLs A009, A010)

Identify the need to acquire or design/develop special diagnostics and present recommendations based upon the determination.

Acquire or develop special diagnostics as set forth within the program execution plans and approval from the LVR-T PM. Special diagnostics include, but are not limited to, the evaluation of physical, optical, mechanical, electrical, chemical, and thermal properties that are required to measure laser-material interaction and responses.

4.1.9 Full-Scale Components or Subsystems (CDRL A003)

If required, conduct full-scale high energy laser tests on components or subsystems under representative conditions if necessary.

Obtain existing exploitation documents for the system to facilitate pre-test predictions. If adequate exploitation information is unobtainable, perform an in-house exploitation of the asset to a level of detail determined by the LVR-T PM. Develop the test conditions to match as close as possible actual flight dynamics. If necessary, develop representative surrogate as defined in Section 4.1.4 to support full-scale test efforts. Provide a detailed report on the test results as required by the LVR-T PM.

4.1.10 Test Article Fabrication (CDRLs A003, A009)

Most systems of interest for laser effect testing are extremely difficult to acquire. If required, based on exploration reports and current intelligence information, design representative test articles to provide highly-controllable target interaction and response measurements for laser testing.

Present the test article design to the LVR-T PM and upon approval, acquire or fabricate test articles for experiment efforts. Example targets may include materials, components, subsystems and systems related to missile (cruise, air-to-air and ground-to-air), aircraft, UAVs, and other targets of interest to the Department of Defense (DoD).

Define and present methods to properly characterize target materials and provide detailed traceability of the fabricated sub-scale or full-scale test articles to the original target sample or exploitation.

Conduct design reviews as required or defined by the LVR-T PM.

4.1.11 Engineering Drawing Control (CDRLs A003, A004)

Maintain a document control system that organizes and maintains all of the related drawings and software programs generated as a result of the experiments conducted under this effort.

Provide documentation to the Government identifying the approach and solution for document control.

4.1.12 Counter-Countermeasures Studies (CDRLs A002, A003, A004, A006, A007, A009, A010)

Evaluate potential lethality enhancements and Counter-Countermeasure (CCM) techniques to mitigate laser countermeasures (CM).

Compare the mitigation strategy for both operational and hardening countermeasures to determine potential measurements and testing efforts and the range of applicability across the full spectrum of threats.

Present a plan for the development of measurements and test efforts to explore the impact of potential countermeasures under evaluation. Follow the same process as outlined in Sections 4.1.1-4.1.11 above for these experimental efforts.

4.1.13 In-House Diagnostics Development/Evaluation (CDRLs A009, A010)

Conduct evaluations on the current in-house diagnostics within AFRL/RDLE testing facilities.

Provide recommendations for development or upgrades to current capabilities, recommendations for new diagnostics, data collection and analysis software improvements/development, and testing and/or evaluation of new equipment to ensure that AFRL/RDLE facilities can maintain a state-of the art test capabilities.

Provide adequate information to show the “need” the recommended items/development efforts will fill, recommended accessories and training that should be included and focal points for questions related to the hardware/software efforts. For all acquired laboratory testing equipment an Operations and Maintenance Instructions (CDRL A010) shall be provided as required by the LVR-T PM. Instructions should address the capabilities, operation, and alignment of laser imaging and beam delivery/control systems.

Provide a working knowledge of advanced laboratory diagnostic and computer interface systems.

4.2 Laboratory and Infrastructure Development: (CDRLs A001, A002, A003, A004, A006, A007, A008, A009, A010)

Conduct activities required to support laser interaction testing research and development. Follow the AFRL/RDLE CONOPS and associated rules and regulations to manage and improve AFRL/RDLE state-of-the-art test and experimental facilities. Document the findings of these activities in detailed reports and briefing presentations related to all sub-tasks under Section 4.1.

4.2.1 Optical Systems

Support for laser vulnerability experiments will include development, operation and maintenance of all optics, optical systems, and optical diagnostics. This includes specialized laboratory support for temperature dependent transmission, optical damage and optical scatter measurements.

Develop, modify, maintain, document, and align all optical and associated systems for the various advanced research projects of the laser development program.

Design, develop, fabricate, and maintain equipment necessary to monitor the parameters of the optical beam.

Design, fabricate, and maintain test instrumentation required to perform beam diagnostics.

Recommendations will be made for innovative or improved diagnostic technology that may provide an enhanced testing capability unique to the DOD community.

Ensure any specialized optical equipment and any necessary support equipment is available and in suitable operating condition to conduct testing

• Request approval from Air Force Metrology and Calibration program

(AFMETCAL) and adhere to AFI 21-113 for all Test Measurement and Diagnostic Equipment (TMDE) that requires calibration and/or repair.

4.2.2 Experimental Computer Systems

All experimental computer hardware and software that is acquired or developed under the following effort must adhere to AFRL and Air Force Information Technology purchasing guidelines.

Operate, maintain, acquire and update the following items as required:

All experimental computers, servers and data acquisition systems required for experimental testing.

Computerized data storage, laser control and diagnostic control systems, including hardware, in-house developed software, and control system wiring.

All experimental computer workstations necessary to reduce test data to usable forms, generate engineering drawings, and produce maintenance documentation and procedures.

Provide recommendations for upgrading existing experimental data collection and computer systems where appropriate.

Provide software version control and distribution control compliant with Department of

Defense (DoD) standards for revised and newly developed control systems under this call.

4.2.3 Quality Assurance

Using ISO 9000 Quality Management and Quality Assurance Standards and the RD/RV Logistics Standardization and Evaluation Program as a guide:

Apply a process which assures that all designs, hardware, software, and analyses created under this effort are planned, controlled and documented to maintain quality.

Ensure inspections applicable to Quality Assurance maintain a rating of 90% or greater.

The quality assurance process will apply to all hardware systems and components (including hardware acquired by purchase and hardware developed in-house) and will also apply to source code and object code in various forms and versions.

5.0 SAFETY, ENVIRONMENTL AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH

5.1 Establish an Environment, Safety and Occupational Health program free from those conditions that can cause death, injury, occupational illness, damage to or loss of equipment or property damage to the environment. Comply with all precautions established by the Air Force and AFRL/RD during all activities performed in connection with this contract.

Establish and conduct a hazardous material/waste management program in accordance with Federal, Department of Defense (DoD), Air Force, State and local regulations, AFI 32- 7086Hazardous Material Management) and AFI 32-7042 (Solid and Hazardous Waste Compliance) and their AFMC supplements (latest version). Manage and provide for the ordering, handling and storage and disposal of hazardous materials/waste used in performance of the contract in compliance with applicable local Air Force operating plans and instructions as well as Federal, State and local laws and regulations. Train all pertinent (Government, contractor, subcontractor) personnel in the proper handling, control, disposal and use of hazardous materials/waste for contractor activities. Report all mishap and chemical release to the appropriate offices.

5.2 Establish and conduct safety training (laser, electrical, and lifting) in accordance with all Federal, DoD, Air Force, State and local regulations, AFI91-203 Air Force Consolidated Occupational Safety Instruction (includes fire extinguisher training, material handling equipment, LOTO, etc.) and AFI 48-139 Laser and Optical Radiation Protection Program (laser training, eye exams, etc.) Train all pertinent (Government, contractor, subcontractor) personnel in the proper safety (laser, electrical and lifting) for contractor activities.

6.0 MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES: (CDRL A005)

6.1 Incorporate all program management and security tasks required to oversee the successful and efficient performance of all task activities outlined above. This will include providing the skills and resources required to plan, organize, coordinate, direct, accomplish, and document technical efforts and track funding requirements, use an effective cost, schedule, and technical performance control system, and implement an efficient organizational structure flexible to the changing requirement and workloads.

6.2 Track the status of deliverables against schedule, track expenditures against both the budget and approved activities in the program plan, and report technical progress on ongoing activities.

Provide this information as requested by the Government or on a monthly basis with information being provided no later than the 15th of the following month. The format will be determined by the Government and the Contractor.

6.3 Coordinate with the LVR-T PM to develop a Management Plan (in accordance with CDRL A011) that describes:

Schedule with key milestones

Participants with rationale why those participants are qualified to conduct the effort (years of relevant work experience, current efforts, expertise for example)

Budget breakout/required for each specific task proposed under this effort with rationale how the activity supports either the Assessment or High End modeling Activities

Critical paths and potential risks along with off ramps or solutions to buy down risk

(specialized manpower, additional equipment, etc.)

Deliverables for each technical objective

6.4 Provide monthly status reports with comprehensive, detailed information on funding expenditures (including subcontractors), task status, expected near future activities, and any pertinent issues (key personnel or subcontractor related issues). In addition, Government may request funding information as required in order to assess current expenditures on specific tasks.

6.5 Provide updates on staffing to include new hire activity, identifying what this potential hiring action provides to the Government related activities.

7.0 Contract Data Requirements Lists (CDRLs)

The following CDRLs are representative of the type of data to be delivered under this effort. All technical data and/or computer software developed under this effort shall be delivered to the Government with Unlimited Rights.

CDRL A001: Computer Software Product End Items CDRL A002: Test Plan CDRL A003: Development Design Drawings/Models and Associated Lists CDRL A004: Presentation Materials – Program Management Reviews/Technical Interchange Meetings (TIMs) CDRL A005: Status Report – Technical and Cost Status Report CDRL A006: Technical Report – Study/Services – Scientific & Technical Reports CDRL A007: Scientific and Technical Report and Checklist – Final Report CDRL A008: Software User’s Manual CDRL A009: Test/Inspection Report CDRL A010: Operations and Maintenance Instructions for Research and Development

Equipment CDRL A011: Management Plan CDRL A012: Government Furnished Property/Contractor Acquired Property

8.0Supplemental Documents: The documents listed below can be found in the PACIFIER LVR- T Call 0003 Bidder’s Library on the SAM website under solicitation number FA9451-18-S-0003 Call 0003. Instructions on how to obtain this information can be found in Section 12.2 FA9451-18- S-0003 Call 0003 USAF Weapon System Software Management Guide Military Handbook, MIL-HDBK-61A (SE)

LETF CONOPS

AFRLI 61-103

RDOI 61-103

Test Plans Examples Report Standards (Rev C)

Standards Doc Ver 1.0